The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1793

Charlotte barely had a minute to breathe these days, thanks to the never-ending demands of that “sleeping sickness” project. Most mornings she just threw on whatever was clean, grabbing her bag and keys before running out the door, sometimes so rushed there was no time for breakfast. On the days when she finally made it home, it was always late. And even then, she’d shut herself away in the study or spend hours on video calls with the team over at The Cabinda Medical Branch.

Anthony couldn’t remember the last time he’d had an actual conversation with his wife. Three days had slipped by in silence.

“Is Charlotte home yet?” he called as he stepped inside, shrugging off his jacket. He scanned the hallway and living room, but Charlotte was nowhere in sight. His eyebrows drew together, frustration tight in his chest.

Helen, the housekeeper, noticed his mood right away. She moved quietly, hands clasped. “She’s not back yet, sir.”

That was the third evening in a row. Anthony’s patience was wearing thin.

“Have you eaten, Anthony?” Helen asked, hoping to distract him. She brought over a glass of water. “Charlotte must have a lot on her plate. Maybe her work is just too important right now.”

He let out a sharp breath, slumping onto the sofa, elbows on his knees. He pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose. “So her job is everything, and I don’t matter at all?” he muttered.

Helen hesitated, unsure whether she should agree, defend Charlotte, or just apologize. She gave him an apologetic smile but didn’t say anything more.

Just as Helen started, “Anthony…” the sound of a car outside caught their attention.

The front door opened and Charlotte stepped inside, wearing a loose hoodie and sneakers, a backpack slung over one shoulder. She was on her phone, eyes down, voice low as she talked to someone on the other end. She barely seemed to notice Anthony.

Helen rushed to greet her, her smile a little too eager. “Charlotte, you’re back!”

“Yeah.” Charlotte nodded, handed off her backpack, and lowered her voice. “Already ate. Could you make me some lemonade?”

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